A day surrounded by loved ones

These high school sweethearts were married on May 25, 2025 at The Dominion Club wedding venue outside Richmond, Virginia. Not only was it one of those perfect blue sky days, but from from the minute I stepped into the bridal suite it was obvious that these two were just SO loved and supported by their family and friends.

Kayla and Matt have been together basically their whole adult lives, and what stood out to me was how many deep, long-standing relationships they’ve had by their side since the beginning. True ride-or-die friends. Both getting ready rooms were full of tears, laughter, spontaneous dancing, reminiscing, and cheers. Kayla’s mom helped her into her dress, a strapless beaded gown with buttons down the back. Bridesmaids wore champagne slip dresses with all white florals, which was SUCH a classy color combination especially against The Dominion Club’s mostly green backdrop.

Ceremony

Just after all guests took their seats, two of Kayla’s bridesmaids gave pre-ceremony speeches they had prepared for the couple. This is something I haven’t seen done before, and I loved the way it brought everyone together (in happy tears) before the ceremony even really began. Matt’s face as she walked down the aisle was so filled with emotion, and their ceremony was full of tears on both sides, so much laughter, and a joy-filled walk back down the aisle as a newly married couple.

“In the way Kayla has always taken care of us, Matt takes care of her that way”

Kayla told me ahead of time that she was really excited about speeches and being able to hear from their loved ones throughout their day, which is honestly something I don’t hear all the time. We always hear the tropes about bad speeches, drunk groomsmen, jokes about the old “for those of you who don’t know me”. But when else in our lives do we get to sit in a room surrounded by the people we love the most on this whole entire planet, and listen to each of them tell us how much we mean to them. I genuinely love speeches on wedding days and I always learn something about the couple that somehow makes so much sense and makes me adore them even more.

One story, shared by Kayla’s mom, spoke about Matt hiking three miles through a snowstorm just to see Kayla before he had his license. These are the kinds of stories that make a couple’s full story really come together for me. Kayla and Matt value telling loved ones how much you love them, and it was so special that they made this a part of their day. Kayla’s bridesmaids spoke about what a truly incredible friend she is, and we were all choked up when she compared the love Kayla has for her friends, to the way Matt loves her.

Another favorite part of the day for me, was that both sets of parents are so in love. I loved being able to witness that throughout the day. Watching them laugh on the dance floor together, give beautiful, meaningful toasts and celebrate their kids was everything. So often, couples tell me after the fact that the photos they cherish the most are the ones of their parents, grandparents, and family members having the best time and gathering together. Another really special intention behind the day - they chose their date so that Kayla and Matt could be married on Matt’s parents anniversary.

a Memorable Send-Off

The reception ended with the most addictive cupcakes I’ve maybe ever had, a continuously packed dance floor, and the most hype sparkler exit. Here’s where I get sappy, so buckle up.

As a Virginia wedding photographer, I see lots of wedding days. This one was special because there was a sense that everyone present knew this was something worth holding on really tight to, and that being together all day needed to be savored! That kind of feeling never comes from decor choices, colors or even the timeline. It comes from your energy and your people, and the history you guys have together long before you even start planning your wedding. The way you pour into people and the way they pour into you. But most of all, the way you are able to be present and truly immersed in your day! Laugh BIG laughter, cry if you feel it, give the biggest hugs and leave it all on the dance floor and I promise you, the photos will take care of themselves.

The Dominion Club Wedding Venue in Glen Allen, Virginia

What A dOMINion club wedding is like | A Richmond Wedding venue

This was my first wedding at the Dominion Club, and I loved my experience there! As a Virginia wedding photographer I always notice how a venue flows on a wedding day, and the space here is convenient, with easy access between the two getting ready areas. Both are well lit and have space to do your hair and makeup and store your things. Downstairs is the reception hall, with big windows facing the ceremony patio and the golf course. The ceremony space, directly out the doors from the main reception hall, photographs beautifully for a late afternoon ceremony. Your arbor sits on a pretty stone patio overlooking the green and the water behind, and is a really versatile space you can make your own. If you want sunset photos, you can be taken across the pond in a golf cart, which is a fun little getaway on your wedding day anyway. There is a little shaded park area and a dock that goes out to a gazebo over the water, and this photographs beautifully! It is such a quiet and romantic little spot to just be together, and look across the pond at your reception lights twinkling before the sun sets.

There are a few other spaces in particular I really loved! The front lawn of the main clubhouse in shaded by beautiful trees, and has some small gardens and hydrangea plants scattered throughout. This was an easy choice for me, especially for morning getting ready photos and wedding party portraits. Sunset newlyweds are amazing in front of the open golf course and by the water, so the shaded front lawn felt like a pretty and peaceful space that brought different vibes to those pre-ceremony portraits.

important things to know about the dominion club

If you’re looking for a Richmond wedding venue where you can have your ceremony, reception, and getting ready morning all in one place, The Dominion Club is a really great option.The reception space is large enough and bright enough to give you a really beautiful rain plan option, always a bonus in a wedding venue! One of the biggest benefits of getting married at The Dominion Club is that they only host one wedding per day, so you have full use of the property and the staff’s full attention. This is actually not a guarantee with every wedding venue, and something to look out for when you’re touring. Weddings at the Dominion Club can accommodate up to about 240 guests. This is a great fit for you if you’re looking for a layout that is convenient and keeps events close together, has really nice light everywhere you go, and you appreciate a natural, green landscape in your photos. These are all things I especially appreciate as a Richmond wedding photographer working at lots of venues in this area. I hope this helps!